What causes PCOS?
The root of PCOS is an inability to respond properly to insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows your body’s cells to absorb energy from the food you eat. This means your cells don’t respond to the normal amount of insulin, so the pancreas pumps out even more. That’s what insulin resistance is and it happens when the body turns carbohydrates, both simple and complex, into glucose that surges into the bloodstream. Insulin travels to the muscle cells, telling them to take glucose from the bloodstream and store it in the liver. As insulin levels in the blood increase, glucose levels in the blood decrease. When blood glucose falls below a certain level, the brain, which needs glucose to function, calls out for more by telling you to eat again. If it doesn’t get glucose, the result is drowsiness or lack of mental alertness. This glucose shortage is also known as low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. When hypoglycemia strikes, the liver is unable to replenish bloodglucose from it
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. Some studies are looking at the possibility of a genetic link to this disorder. Researchers are also looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
